California’s Sierra skyline will soon disappear behind a wall of wind-driven snow as a powerful Winter Storm Warning takes hold tonight. Conditions will deteriorate rapidly after 10 PM and intensify through Monday and Tuesday.
From Tehachapi and Frazier Park to Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon, heavy snow and strong winds will create dangerous mountain travel. In the Frazier Mountain Communities and Piute Walker Basin, totals up to 20 inches are expected. Winds may gust as high as 50 mph, blowing snow across Highway 58 and mountain roads.
Farther north and deeper into the Sierra, the impacts grow more extreme. Above 6,000 feet, 3 to 5 feet of snow is expected, with 5 to 7 feet possible at the highest elevations. Even elevations down to 4,000 feet could see 1 to 2 feet. Snow levels begin around 5,500 to 6,000 feet tonight, then lower to near 4,000 feet by Tuesday morning. Light accumulations could reach 3,000 feet Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Wind gusts may reach 60 mph across exposed ridges and passes. Blowing snow will reduce visibility and create near whiteout bursts, especially Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Tree damage and isolated power outages are possible.
Travel could become very difficult to impossible at times. The Monday morning and evening commutes in mountain communities will likely be impacted.
If you must travel, carry emergency supplies and check 511 for updated road conditions. Delaying non-essential mountain travel is strongly advised.
Are you planning to head into the Sierra before Wednesday night?
